Paul Collingwood refusing to gloat over Australian woes

England are refusing to gloat about the ongoing troubles of Australia ahead of the Ashes.

Paul Collingwood claims England are not focusing on the recent defeats suffered by Australia

The Aussies have lost their last six matches in all forms of the game and are battling claims of dressing-room disharmony.

But Paul Collingwood has insisted the tourists are concentrating solely on the first tour match against Western Australia, which began in Perth this morning.

Australia’s latest setback saw them allow Sri Lanka to chase down 240 in a one-day international on Wednesday, having reduced their opponents to 107 for eight.

‘Most of us watched the game but really we’re very much focused on what we’ve got to do, rather than the opposition,’ Collingwood said.

‘The more games they do lose, confidence levels may go down. But we’re not going to read too much into it. We’ve got to prepare ourselves as a team to be in the best frame of mind going into the Tests.

‘We’re not going to take them lightly – it’s as simple as that.’

Meanwhile, in the Australian camp Michael Hussey , who top-scored against Sri Lanka, has dismissed talk of a rift with Michael Clarke , who captained with Ricky Ponting absent on compassionate grounds.

‘There’s no problems whatsoever,’ the 35-year-old added. ‘I have a very good relationship with Michael. I have no issues whatsoever so I’m not exactly sure where some of these so-called issues are coming from.’

Hussey also endorsed Clarke’s captaincy credentials, adding: ‘He’s got some very good leadership qualities. He leads from the front and has a very, very good cricket brain.’